Hemmes chefs take a tour to pick up European tips

BAR tsar Justin Hemmes has taken a handful of his top chefs on an inspirational gastronomical tour of ­Europe’s finest restaurants.

Justin Hemmes has exposed his chefs to some of Europe’s most innovative restaurants. Picture: Brett Costello

BAR tsar Justin Hemmes has taken a handful of his top chefs on an inspirational gastronomical tour of ­Europe’s finest restaurants.

Aimed at getting an insight into the culinary secrets of the world’s most ­famous chefs, the trip could unleash a new world of taste sensations onto Sydney when they return.

High-profile chefs from the Merivale stable on the trip ­include Mr Wong and Ms. G’s Dan Hong, The Newport, Bert’s and Coogee Pavilion’s Jordan Toft, Merivale’s Christopher Hogarth and Ash St Cellar’s head chef Jake Ahren.

Restaurant Ducasse in Paris is hardly short of a chandelier.

Hemmes was reluctant to talk about the trip but confirmed he was visiting some of the continent’s gourmand hot spots, including Cervejaria Ramiro in Lisbon and Septime and Ducasse in Paris.

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Dan Hong.

Jordan Toft.

“We thought it would be a great opportunity to get some of our chefs together in ­Europe, eat amazing food and check out what the other side of the world is doing,” Hemmes said. Hemmes, well known for his generosity to staff, has created an impressive itinerary, including acclaimed Noma and Geranium in Copenhagen.

First stop on the food safari was Copenhagen, where the chefs ­descended on Michelin-starred restaurant Kadeau.

Cervejaria Ramiro is the picker of Lisbon eateries.

Septime Cave in Paris has the shabby chic look on the outside. Picture: Supplied

Noma restaurant in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a mecca for food fans.

Cirrus head chef Hong shared ­Instagram images of every meal he and his colleagues devoured, alongside the caption: “Wow wow wow!!! Perfect meal from start to finish. Every single dish was so unique, delicious and tasty.”

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Their next dining experience in Copenhagen was at two-Michelin-star restaurant Noma, which is owned by chef René Redzepi.

Hong also gushed about his culinary experience: “Thank you Rene Redzepi. You’re on another level.”

Hemmes and his gang then taste-tested the seafood on offer at Cervejaria Ramiro in Lisbon before eating their way to Paris, including the three-Michelin-star eatery Ducasse.